Keying system for electrical connector assemblies

(19)

(11)

EP 1 229 612 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	10.12.2003 Bulletin 2003/50

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	07.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/32

(21)	Application number: 02002188.7

(22)	Date of filing: 29.01.2002

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: H01R 13/64

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30)

Priority:

02.02.2001 US 776160

(71)	Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
	Lisle, IL 60532 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Polgar, Gary E. Bolingbrook, IL 60490 (US) Comerci, Joseph D. Elmhurst, IL 60126 (US)

(74)	Representative: Blumbach, Kramer & Partner GbR
	Patentanwälte, Alexandrastrasse 5 65187 Wiesbaden 65187 Wiesbaden (DE)

(54)	Keying system for electrical connector assemblies

(57) A keying system for an electrical connector assembly (10,10A) includes a male connector (12) having a body portion (16), a mating end (20) formed by a plurality of terminal-receiving silos (22) extending from the body portion, and a plurality of support walls (29) integrally joining the silos and combining therewith to define a pattern of interior keying channels (30a-30h). A female connector (14) has a mating end (34) formed by a receptacle (36), with a plurality of terminals (38) including contact portions (38a) extending into the receptacle for insertion into the silos (22) of the male connector (12). A plurality of locating walls (48) within the receptacle define a pattern of keying members (46a-46h) for insertion into the keying channels (30a-30h) of the male connector to thereby polarize the connectors.

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